This resource page is intended for Economic Development Districts (EDDs) and Regional Development Organizations (RDOs) that are beginning to engage with data center development in their regions. It compiles reports, model ordinances, and policy analyses from a range of sources that address the planning, economic, and infrastructure considerations associated with data center siting and construction. A NADO Research Foundation brief will also be released soon to provide a more in-depth examination of the roles EDDs play in supporting regional responses to data center activity.Â
Contact NADO Program Manager Dion Thompson-Davoli with any questions or to suggest additional resources to include on this page.
Last Updated: February 25, 2026
The Future of Data Centers (Brookings)
This overview examines the data center landscape, including facility types, geographic distribution, financial investments, barriers to development, and workforce impacts. It covers critical challenges such as energy and water consumption, permitting, and electric grid investment needs. EDDs supporting local governments will find this useful as a primer on the industry’s scope and the infrastructure planning considerations that communities must navigate when working with local communities on data center projects.
Turning the Data Center Boom into Long-Term, Local Prosperity (Brookings)
This report argues that the AI-era data center buildout race is giving regions new leverage in data center negotiations, and that communities should treat siting decisions as ecosystem-shaping opportunities rather than isolated real estate transactions. It documents how the standard data center development model, characterized by speedy dealmaking and opaque negotiations, delivers short-term construction jobs but underwhelming long-term economic benefits relative to project sizes. EDDs can use this resource to help local governments understand their bargaining position and negotiate co-investments in workforce development, R&D partnerships, and regional technology ecosystems.
Local Guidelines for Data Center Development (Urban Land Institute)
This resource seeks to demystify data centers for local officials by describing key planning issues, including the lack of a uniform land-use category for data centers, sound mitigation, fire safety considerations, and site aesthetics. It also includes a comprehensive model zoning ordinance. EDDs can share this resource with local governments that need a practical roadmap for integrating data centers into their community planning and land use landscape.
Getting It Right: Local Approaches to Data Center Development (Southern Environmental Law Center)
This report provides guidance and best practices for local governments interested in increasing transparency and accountability around data center development. It explains options for how local zoning ordinances can empower governing bodies to address data centers in an informed and responsible way and includes examples of data center-specific development provisions from several localities. EDDs can use this to help communities understand the range of regulatory tools available to them.
Data Centers and Their Energy Consumption (Congressional Research Service)
This nonpartisan FAQ report from CRS documents that U.S. data centers account for approximately 4.4% of national energy consumption today, and projects that demand could double or triple by 2028. It covers data center energy basics including cooling strategies, water use, power utilization effectiveness metrics, and the current absence of binding federal energy standards for these facilities. EDDs helping communities evaluate data center proposals will find this a useful, politically neutral reference for understanding the energy and infrastructure demands these facilities bring.
Data Centers in the Great Lakes Region (University of Virginia Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service)
This study examines the economic, fiscal, and energy-related impacts of data centers across eight Great Lakes states, finding that data center energy demand will more than double in five of them as new facilities come online. It provides state-level fact sheets, a policymaker FAQ, and data on job creation, GDP contributions, and regional competitiveness. EDDs in the Great Lakes region and beyond can use this as a model for understanding the scale and implications of data center growth in their own areas and for communicating it to relevant stakeholders.
Data Center Resource Webpage (Central Pines Regional Council)
The Central Pines Regional Council, an Economic Development District in North Carolina, created this resource page to make information on data centers easily accessible to their communities and is a model for other regional organizations looking to do the same. It includes a ten page reference guide explaining the basics of data center design and resource use, as well as practical tips for local governments engaging with data center developers.Â
Data Centers in Virginia (Virginia Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission)
This legislative audit finds that data centers contribute 74,000 jobs, $5.5 billion in labor income, and $9.1 billion in GDP to Virginia’s economy annually and that they will be the primary driver of a projected doubling of statewide energy demand over the next decade. It includes legislative recommendations around utility authority, water use estimation requirements, and sound level standards for data center operations. Though aimed specifically at Virginia policymakers, it demonstrates the basic contours of data center economic impacts and includes valuable considerations that EDDs should keep in mind while modeling or discussing this issue.
Policy Snapshot: Data Center Incentives (National Conference of State Legislatures)
This snapshot provides an overview of the data center tax incentive landscape across the states. It finds that 37 states now offer some form of incentive program to attract data center investment and details the range of tools states use, including abatement types, levels, and triggers. EDDs can use this resource to help local governments understand the competitive environment for data center siting and the state-level policy context that shapes what communities can negotiate.
Why Community Benefit Agreements Are Necessary for Data Centers (Brookings)
This report makes the case for legally binding community benefit agreements (CBAs) as a tool for addressing growing public resistance to data center development related to electricity costs, water use, and environmental impacts. It recommends that CBAs include strong commitments for job creation, tax revenue, workforce training, and community being contributions, along with metric tracking and evaluation programs. EDDs can use this framework to help local governments develop transparent, enforceable agreements with data center developers.
Preparing for Data Centers YouTube Series (PennFuture Media)
This resource, produced by a Pennsylvania nonprofit, is a useful primer for EDD staff covering a variety of data center economic and resource considerations. Each of the six 10-15-minute-long videos discusses a distinct issue in an easy-to-follow, infographic-rich format. It may be useful for busy EDD staff looking for a quick and informative introduction to a range of data center topics.
Zoning for Data Centers and Cryptocurrency Mining (American Planning Association)
This report and model ordinance explores why communities may wish to define and regulate data centers and cryptocurrency mining as distinct uses in their zoning codes, providing a summary of contemporary approaches from across the country. It examines key planning issues including electricity and water use, noise production, safety and security needs, and low employment densities, and offers a series of questions to guide code drafting. EDDs working with local planners can use this as a starting point for thinking through how zoning codes should address these facilities.
Data Center Model Ordinance (York County Planning Commission)
This model ordinance from a Pennsylvania county planning commission provides detailed, adaptable language for municipalities to regulate data center development, including definitions, zoning district placement, site requirements, stormwater management, and environmental impact assessments. It addresses practical concerns like noise limits, riparian buffers, solar-ready rooftop design, and consistency with comprehensive plans. EDDs can share this as a concrete example that local governments can adapt to their own planning contexts.
Local Guidelines for Data Center Development (Urban Land Institute)
This resource includes a model zoning ordinance for local governments that addresses a comprehensive set of land use considerations for data center development. EDDs can share this as a flexible tool that local governments can adapt to their own planning contexts.
Local Ordinances to Help Bring Data Centers into Alignment with Climate Goals (Georgetown Climate Center)
This memo identifies model ordinance language that local governments can adopt to keep data center development on track with their climate and environmental goals without forgoing the potential economic benefits. It addresses conditions around clean energy requirements, emissions limits, and siting permits, and suggests tiered financial incentives for data centers that commit to using low-carbon technologies. EDDs working with communities that have sustainability goals will find this resource especially useful for balancing economic development with environmental priorities.
This resource is offered through the Economic Development District Community of Practice (EDD CoP), managed by the NADO Research Foundation to build the capacity of the national network of EDDs. To learn more, visit: www.nado.org/EDDCoP. The EDD CoP is made possible through an award from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce (ED22HDQ3070106). The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations in this resource are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Economic Development Administration or the U.S. Department of Commerce.
The views and opinions expressed by other organizations or outside publications referenced in this resource guide do not necessarily reflect the policies or views of the National Association of Development Organizations or its members.
Ethan Simon began as a Research Fellow at NADO in January 2025 after earning his bachelor’s degree in Public Policy from the University of Maryland, College Park, with minors in Law and Society and Geographic Information Science. During and after his undergraduate studies, Ethan built experience across state government, transportation advocacy, and nonprofit policy work, including positions with the Maryland General Assembly, the Government Affairs Department of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), and as a Government Relations and Advocacy Intern for the National Council of Jewish Women. Ethan currently serves as Chair of Government Affairs for the SEPTA Youth Advisory Council, where he leads advocacy efforts to expand public transportation funding and strengthen transit planning throughout the Philadelphia region.
At NADO, he supports rural energy planning initiatives by contributing research to the Rural Energy Academy and assisting with broader programs focused on rural energy development and policy impacts on rural communities.
Now residing in Washington, D.C., Ethan enjoys playing basketball and football in his free time, as well as traveling. He is interested in U.S. history, sports, and geography, is a die-hard Buffalo Bills fan, and hopes to one day compete on Jeopardy.
Juliette Wilder is the Manager of Government Relations for the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO), where she supports congressional and executive branch outreach, coalition building, and advocacy efforts on behalf of more than 500 regional development organizations (RDOs) nationwide.
Prior to joining NADO, she was a Senior Policy Associate at Boundary Stone Partners, where she specialized in clean energy policy analysis, federal funding navigation, and legislative advocacy. In this role, Juliette coordinated with the Department of Energy on multi-million-dollar clean energy projects, spearheaded congressional and executive branch initiatives, and built partnerships to advance innovation in the energy transition.
She holds a Master’s degree in Global Environmental Policy from American University and a Bachelor’s in International Studies. Her academic research focused on energy equity and the Justice40 Initiative.
When not working, Juliette can be found community gardening, bouldering, or hiking.
Michael Matthews is the Director of Government Relations for the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO), where he leads congressional and executive branch outreach, coalition building, and advocacy efforts on behalf of more than 500 regional development organizations (RDOs) nationwide.
With over a decade of experience, Michael combines policy expertise with political acumen to advance federal policies that promote equitable community development, economic competitiveness, rural growth, economic mobility, and quality of place. Before joining NADO, he served as the Legislative Director for Community, Economic & Workforce Development at the National Association of Counties (NACo), collaborating with county officials to shape policies affecting local governments in areas such as housing, community and economic development, public works, and workforce initiatives.
Earlier in his career, Michael held various policy positions at the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), Office of Congressman Anthony G. Brown (D-Md.), and contributed to several political campaigns across the Washington, D.C. metro area.
Michael holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Salisbury University and a master’s degree in public administration from Wilmington University. A native of Delaware, he now resides in Lake Ridge, Virginia, with his wife and daughter.
Andrew Coker joined the NADO team in March of 2023 as a Regional Development Researcher after spending two and a half years as the Regional Economic Resiliency Coordinator at NADO-member organization West Central Arkansas Planning and Development District.
Now serving at NADO as a Program Manager, Andrew conducts research on the newest economic and community development best practices from Economic Development Districts across the country. He helps produce easily digestible information on complex regional issues through case studies, tip sheets, and research reports. Andrew also hosts training and professional development opportunities including conference sessions and virtual webinars for member regional development organizations.
Andrew holds a bachelor’s degree from Hendrix College and a master’s degree from the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service. He is one of NADO’s three Missouri-based team members and enjoys reading and training for his next triathlon.
As Director of Programs, Jack Morgan manages the portfolio of NADO’s training, research, capacity-building, and other grant-funded programs and activities of the NADO Research Foundation. Jack previously served as a NADO Senior Program Manager and Associate Director, leading work supporting energy communities and the training programs for Emerging Leaders.Â
Jack joined the NADO team in 2022 after seven years with the National Association of Counties (NACo) as a Program and Senior Program Manager. Prior to NACo, Jack was a Policy Analyst for Friends of Southwest Virginia and interned for Mount Rogers Planning District Commission (VA). Jack holds a bachelor’s in geography from Emory & Henry College and a master’s in geography from Appalachian State University.
Jack is certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) and is a member of the American Planning Association (APA) Regional & Intergovernmental Planning Division. He also serves on the Emory & Henry College Alumni Board.
Taking road trips, reading non-fiction, and indulging in top-notch barbecue and coffee round out Jack’s days. He loves maps, mountains, and of course, all things sports.
Kar’ron Grant joined the NADO team in 2023 as Administrative Specialist and is the first face (or voice) you’ll see or hear when reaching out to NADO. As Administrative Specialist, Kar’ron manages our database and coordinates NADO event operations. He ensures members’ needs are met, contact information stays current, and NADO’s office is running efficiently.
Kar’ron came to NADO after four years in the classroom teaching at The New Century School and Old Mill Middle North where he received the Patriot of the Year award. He attended Towson University and the University of Maryland Global Campus and holds a bachelor’s in international studies and humanities.
Visiting art galleries and museums, playing basketball and bowling, and taking in movies and music are some of Kar’ron’s interests and hobbies.
Deputy Executive Director Laurie Thompson has been with NADO for 25 years. Laurie helps keep the NADO and NADO Research Foundation wheels turning through management of the daily operations of the Research Foundation, securing financial resources and overseeing grants management, and helping execute NADO’s Annual Training Conference each year.
Laurie holds a bachelor’s in public affairs and government from Mount Vernon College and a master’s in health services administration from The George Washington University. Prior to NADO, Laurie spent time as a Field Specialist and an Eagle Staff Fund Director at First Nations Development Institute.
When she’s taking a rare reprieve from her NADO work, Laurie enjoys traveling domestically and internationally to visit friends and family.
Jamie McCormick joined the NADO team as a Policy Fellow in 2019 and now serves as a Senior Manager of Member Services. In this role, she supports NADO’s engagement with its membership, helping ensure members stay connected, informed, and supported. She assists with programs, communications, and events that strengthen relationships across the organization’s network.
Brett Schwartz began at NADO in 2012 as a Research Fellow after earning his J.D. from the University of Baltimore School of Law. The following year, he was promoted to Program Manager and has now been leading as an Associate Director since 2018. Brett is responsible for managing NADO’s Economic Development District Community of Practice (EDD CoP), as well as researching and monitoring the latest trends in regional economic development and resilience, including best practices for the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). With more than a decade of experience on the NADO team, Brett is a dynamic relationship builder helping connect and build capacity among the national network of regional development organizations.
Brett also holds a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University and a master’s from Trinity College Dublin, as well as a certificate in mediation training. He’s a member of Catalyst Grantmakers of San Diego and Imperial Counties and was a participant in the 2021-22 Field Trips to the Future Cohort.
Brett is one of NADO’s West Coast team members residing in San Diego, CA where he enjoys spending time outdoors, attending concerts and festivals, and soaking up life as a parent of two young children. Â
Katie Allison joined the team in 2023 to lead the strategic communication efforts of NADO. Katie creates and develops print and online materials, communicates NADO’s updates to members via weekly emails, and maintains content for nado.org and NADO’s social media channels. She also works with different departments to generate new ideas and strategies to effectively describe and promote the important work NADO is doing for EDDs and RDOs across the country.
An experienced nonprofit communications professional, Katie worked for organizations in western North Carolina for nearly a decade. She holds a bachelor’s in communications from Wingate University where she was a four-year student athlete.Â
Senior Program Manager Ciara Ristig has been a member of the NADO team since 2021, and helps with NADO’s EDD Community of Practice, EDD staff capacity building and other grants on a range of subjects, including equity and solar energy. Before NADO, Ciara worked as a Planner for the County of Santa Barbara and an Assistant Project Manager for REM Consult. Ciara holds a bachelor’s in urban studies and French from Bryn Mawr and a master’s in urban studies from Ecole d’Urbanisme de Paris.
When she’s not traveling, you can find her outrigger paddling and serving on the board of the Blue Sky Center in New Cuyama, CA, near her home base of Santa Barbara.
Carrie Kissel has been a member of the NADO team since 2005 and currently serves as Associate Director, Transportation. Carrie holds a bachelor’s in anthropology from Ball State University and a master’s in public anthropology from American University. In her role at NADO, Carrie provides technical assistance and support to rural regions on transportation and economic development issues. She also develops training and peer exchange events on transportation issues and rural wealth creation as an economic development strategy.
Carrie is a member of the Transportation Research Board (TRB) and serves as chair of the TRB Standing Committee on Transportation in Rural Areas.
Reading, gardening, hiking, and kayaking are a few of Carrie’s hobbies.
Melissa Levy has worked at NADO as a Wealth Creation Specialist since February 2023 and is the Principal Consultant at her own firm specializing in wealth-based economic development consulting. With a career spanning nearly 30 years, Melissa brings a breadth of knowledge to her role providing in-depth research, coaching, and training on regional economic resilience, rural wealth creation strategies, and economic development.
Melissa is a North American Food Systems Network trained AgriCluster Resilience and Expansion (ACRE) facilitator and a WealthWorks coach, facilitator, and trainer.
In addition to her professional work, Melissa serves on the Vermont Urban and Community Forestry Council, on the board of the Hinesburg Community Resource Center, and on the Hinesburg Economic Development Committee.
A true outdoorswoman, Melissa enjoys cross country and downhill skiing, paddleboarding, hiking, biking, and kayaking, as well as yoga, and teaching Tai Chi.
Senior Program Manager Krishna Kunapareddy began her role with NADO in February of 2023 after 14 years of service at Boonslick Regional Planning Commission in Missouri. Krishna manages NADO Research Foundation’s Planning and Environmental Linkages and Center for Environmental Excellence projects. In addition to researching and writing, Krishna also conducts virtual workshops on innovative tools and techniques related to transportation planning.
She holds an undergraduate degree from Andhra University and a master’s from JNT University in India, as well as a master’s in city and regional planning from the University of Texas at Arlington. Krishna is also a certified Smart Cities Academy Practitioner and holds the Location Advantage certificate from geographic information system software company ESRI.
In her spare time, Krishna volunteers with Mentors4College helping high schoolers better plan for their post-high school paths.
Bret Allphin joined NADO in April of 2022 bringing with him a wealth of knowledge after a 20-year career with Buckeye Hills Regional Council in Marietta, Ohio. In addition to his bachelor’s in political science and master’s in public affairs, Bret is a licensed Geographical Information Systems Professional (GISP). He is NADO’s go-to team member for all things mapping while also supporting members with transportation and economic development technical assistance services.
An avid sports aficionado and former collegiate athlete, Bret enjoys cheering on his Cincinnati Reds, hitting the trails on his mountain bike, and improving his golf game whenever possible. Bret is an involved community member in Marietta dedicating much of his spare time to serving on local nonprofit boards.
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Joe McKinney serves as Executive Director of the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO). Headquartered in Washington DC, NADO provides advocacy, education, research, and training for the nation’s 500+ regional planning and development organizations.
Joe has more than 30 years of experience having served in city, county, regional, national association, and government management since 1991. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Policy Analysis from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is a candidate for a master’s degree in Public Administration from UNC-Chapel Hill.
McKinney has provided congressional testimony on numerous occasions regarding the importance of regional development organizations in helping shape the nation’s economic growth. He is nationally recognized for promoting innovative solutions in areas such as planning and economic development, workforce development, transportation and transit, and aging services.